Senate set to pass tougher sexual predator bills

A package of bills designed to strengthen sexual predator laws will be the first measures the Senate passes when it opens its annual session.

The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A package of bills designed to strengthen sexual predator laws will be the first measures the Senate passes when it opens its annual session.

The four bills will be voted on Tuesday. They're designed to tighten loopholes in a law that allows the state to civilly commit the most dangerous sexual offenders once they've finished their prison terms.

More offenders could be reviewed if the legislation passes, including people serving jail sentences for sex crimes. Right now, only people convicted of felonies can be reviewed for commitment.

Prosecutors and victim advocates would also be part of the review process.

Another bill will also create a 50-year mandatory sentence for people who rape children, the developmentally disabled and the elderly. The mandatory minimum for raping children is now 25 years.